China issues list of items banned from exporting to NKorea because of potential military use

BEIJING – China has tightened restrictions on North Korea by issuing a lengthy list of items and technologies banned from export to its ally and neighbor because of their potential use in manufacturing weapons of mass destruction.

The move reflects Beijing's desire to get Pyongyang to recommit to nuclear disarmament through negotiations.

The list of forbidden materials with both civilian and military applications includes those in the nuclear, missile, chemical and biological fields. A Commerce Ministry notice posted to its website Tuesday included 236 pages of explanation and details of banned items.

The notice said the action was being taken to enforce U.N. Security Council resolutions. That will likely be seen in Pyongyang as another reprimand from its only substantial ally following a frosty patch in relations.